Rice is expected to be released by the Seahawks, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, according to a source close to the player. Rapoport predicted earlier this month that Rice would likely be a salary-cap casualty.

Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract with the Seahawks in 2011 and was due $9.7 million in 2014. His departure creates $7.3 million in cap savings, giving general manager John Schneider wiggle room to re-sign wide receiver Golden Tate and defensive end Michael Bennett.

Seahawks sources told Rapoport they have made no determination on Rice's future.

Rice is a talented but injury-prone receiver who has played in more than 10 games just once since 2010. The 27-year-old missed eight games in 2013 and appeared in 16 games one time in his three seasons in Seattle. He has missed 25 games over the past four seasons.

Percy Harvin, who struggled to stay healthy himself the past two seasons, is expected to consistently contribute in 2014. Having more than one high-priced receiver with injury concerns doesn't make fiscal sense for a team with looming salary-cap questions.

The Seahawks have prioritized bringing back Tate. Cutting ties with Rice is one step in making that a reality.